The BACKPACKERS

Monday, April 2, 2012

Summer Mini Adventures: DARANAK FALLS

April of 2012 has started! Despite the not-so-good weather, we are sure most of you are already planning your ULTIMATE SUMMER OUTING. Hundreds or thousands of people will surely flock the shores of Boracay, Puerto Galera or Anawangin especially for next week's holidays! These destinations are so popular that it attracts local travelers and foreign tourists alike.

But if you are a travel junkie or a nature enthusiast but you are out of budget or not comfortable in taking that long trips to the said destinations, you do not have to worry! There are lots of places just near the metropolis that will satisfy your craving for a nice dip, a breathtaking scenery and a nice but cheap summer escapade.

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SUMMER MINI ADVENTURES
PART 1: DARANAK FALLS

April 1, 2012 - Four of The BACKPACKERS had the opportunity to take on a journey to search for some exciting destinations just near Metro Manila. And first up, we headed towards the mountainous town of Tanay, Rizal to visit the famous Daranak Falls.

DARANAK FALLS

Unang Hirit Sa Tag Init - BATAAN

It is the start of summer and The BACKPACKERS targeted

the beautiful and historical town of Bataan for our

first of three Summer Escapades.

The BACKPACKERS in Abucay, Bataan

Our beloved guests. Thank you so much for travelling with us - April, Des and Tin!

Mt. Balagbag

by: Weng Topasi

Sitio Balagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal

LLA: 777 MASL

Mt. Balagbag Birthday Climb

- a BIG SUCCESS!

February 15-16, 2012

The BACKPACKERS:

Contessa Cirujales

Liz Honrade

Jovy Duremdes

Marion Macapagal

Weng Topasi

Chons Zosa

Ivan Ignacio

King Aguilar

Mon Sarmiento

Percy Rivera

Our BELOVED GUESTS:

Reyma Caingcoy

Andy Bibat

Lik Buendia

Junar Jose

Mt. Cristobal Traverse

Dolores, Quezon; San Pablo and Nagcarlan, Laguna
Major jump-off: Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Dolores, Quezon

Mt. Cristobal Traverse:

The BACKPACKERS Pilot Adventure for 2012

and

2nd Induction Climb

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

January 25 and 26, 2011 - The BACKPACKERS had its pilot adventure for 2012 via a major climb - traversing the famous Mt. Cristobal, also known as "The Devil's Mountain". Seven official members (Ivan, Angel, Ralph, Liz, Heinz, Weng and Jovy), two inductees (Chons and Percy) and a guest (Wilson) bravely accepted the challenge of camping at the mountain's crater overnight, descending on the other side of the mountain, and the possible encounter with spirits(?). Let's find out...

Makiling Highlands Resort: A Big Day Treat

Makiling Highlands Resort
Pansol, Laguna, Philippines

Celebrating Her Birthday with The BP:

Mommy Ems

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez
Photos by King Aguilar

January 2012 - The BACKPACKERS felt very honored to have been invited to an almost exclusive -to-the-group birthday party hosted by the celebrant herself, Emily Pacursa Peralta. We call her "Mommy Ems".

The event was held in Makiling Highlands Resort that is located at the foot of the legendary Mt. Makiling in Capt. Mamon Road, Pansol, Calamba, Laguna and is only a 1-hour drive from Metro Manila.

Mommy Ems, together with her son, Daniel, was introduced to the group by Pam "Bamboo" Bautista when the latter tagged them along as her guests during The BACKPACKERS' Mt. Batulao climb in January 2011.

Mommy Ems showing BP's birthday present for her

It was a happy celebration that everybody enjoyed. There were lots of sumptuous food; Mommy Ems herself prepared them for the Group. Kiddie games brought the child out of each one of us. And, the Amazing Race game, which was an ultimate fun, served as a good exercise for those hyper ones.

Kids at heart

The Amazing Race flaglets


The Race is on! Siblings Jovy and Jonathan


Winning teams of the Amazing Race: Ivan and Angel; Heinz and Esther; and, Pam and York

Sweethearts Angel and Ivan: 1st Place - Amazing Race

A Pera-O-Bayong game. Mon in a hotseat.


The Videoke King: York (may pinanghuhugutan, dude?)

King with all-girl Non-BP guests

And the Videoke Queen...

BP Girls Angel, Clue, Jovy, and Conts

BP Weng The Poet, host or singer this time

Siblings Mark, Esther and Minel gave an intermission number

BP Mon, Heinz, and Ivan

Most of The BACKPACKERS went back to Manila to report for their respective duties at work when the clock hit between eight and nine PM. A few stayed overnight at the celebrant's residence to enjoy the rest of Mommy Ems' big day.